Chapter 1: Introduction to the Connection Functionality

The connection functionality enables you to import CAD geometries into the Mechanical APDL™ application. The following table provides a list of CAD packages, their file types, and the recommended connection functionality to use when importing files.

Table 1.1: CAD Package and Recommended Connection Functionality

CAD PackageFile TypeConnection Functionality to Use
CATIA 5.x.CATPart or .CATProductCATIA Version 5
Creo Parametric.prt or .asmCreo Parametric
NX .prt NX
Parasolid.x_t or .xmt_txtParasolid
Solid Edge.x_t or .xmt_txtParasolid
SOLIDWORKS .x_t Parasolid

Auto Launch Feature

The connection functionality allows you to launch Mechanical APDL from Creo Parametric (for Windows only). This direct launch lets you take advantage of Mechanical APDL analysis features as you design with the CAD software, thus augmenting design and testing processes.